ON/OFF Dutch Uncles Interview

This exclusive Dutch Uncles interview was conducted by The Future Tense as part of the ON/OFF project.

Details of ON/OFF can be found here and a full list of featured interviews can be found here.

Each artist was asked the same series of questions relating to the live music experience, before being photographed just before and again immediately after performing.

Band: Dutch Uncles

Interviewee: Duncan Wallis (singer)

Venue: The Lexington, London

Date: September 20th 2010

What is your most memorable live moment as a fan?

The Strokes at V Festival 2004 was my first festival and my first big live band. I don’t mind admitting I was completely awestruck in total fandom.

What is your most memorable live moment as a performer?

Opening for Maximo Park at the Manchester Apollo was fantastic, but really any venue that makes you feel like you’re performing in the 70’s is usually special – old stages really do seem to add to the vibe. Actually tonight was pretty special going on stage a few seconds after hearing the new single getting played on Zane Lowe.

Have you had any disasters on stage?

On the last date of our German tour the keyboard broke at the end of 1/16 song set where nobody was really into us at all. I had a tantrum and stormed off stage, but this just spurred the other guys on and the crowd suddenly really got into it. We ended up playing a six-song encore – basically replaying the whole start of the set.

The Future Tense is a curator-led arts initiative delivering an eclectic mix of exhibitions, events and special projects, both independently as well as in conjunction with some of the leading museums, galleries, publishers and cultural brands.

As a pioneer of the gallery-less gallery, and with a strong focus on discovering and fostering emerging talent, The Future Tense quickly developed a reputation for its rigorous approach and unrelenting focus on quality, before expanding to offer an alternative channel for established international artists.

Aside from the traditional programme of exhibitions, art fairs and fine art editions, The Future Tense originates, produces and delivers a wide range of special projects, including co-founding the prestigious annual MTV RE:DEFINE art benefit in Dallas.